Northern Lights

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Northern Lights Holidays

The elusive otherworldly glow of the aurora borealis – commonly known as the Northern Lights – is described by some asthe greatest light show on Earth. It's most often seen dancing in the sky at 65 degrees north latitude and above, so the snowy wilds of European Lapland make an excellent viewing spot. In Iceland or northern Finland, Norway and Sweden it’s possible to see the heavens ablaze with swirly, smokey light from late September to early April.

The mesmerising light is formed from fast-moving, electrically charged solar particles driven towards the Poles by the Earth’s magnetic field. When they collide with atmospheric gases they create colourful curtains of light, like nocturnal rainbows, that seem to dance in the sky. But you can't take them for granted. You'll have the most chance of seeing them on Northern Lights tours in December, January and February, when the hours of darkness are longest. And for the clearest views, avoid dates when there's a full moon.

Northern Lights: Top tips

Head to Arctic Scandinavia: It's the place to go to track down the Northern Lights. While it's impossible to guarantee a sighting, heading out under a cloudless sky as far from sources of light as possible will maximise your chances, which is why Exodus Northern Lights tours take you to the more remote locations – a big advantage over quick city breaks. Join us in a frozen wilderness for your best chance to witness the greatest light show on Earth; we have trips in Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden, as well as Greenland.

Photographing them can be tricky: If all you have is a small point-and-shoot camera, the best photos you'll get will be the dark of the night sky with an extremely faint green glow on the horizon. For that National Geographic-esque shot, you'll need a good-quality digital SLR, preferably with a wide-angle lens. And a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release are essential due to the long exposure time required.

Fat biking in Finland's winter wonderland

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You’re in safe hands

At Exodus, every single one of us is passionate about travel and adventure. Together, our staff and tour leaders have visited more than 171 countries, and we come from a range of backgrounds as diverse archaeology and mountain rescue. We have the hands-on experience to help when you need it, and from the moment you pick up the phone to the moment you land, we’re here to take the hassle out of your holiday. We’ll meet you at the airport, get you safely from place to place, and provide you with the right kit to tackle your chosen adventure.